In addition to the sheer joy of attending summer, camp there are several mental health benefits built into the experience of such outdoor experiences. On so many levels, there is evidence that summer camp promotes social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth. The camp experience offers new social opportunities, situations that foster the development of life skills, confidence, courage, and success in trying new things. Camp offers exposure to new activities and thus an introduction to potential interests or recreational outlets. The predictable, structured environment of summer camp offers opportunity to live with in a group, form productive relationships, recognize benefits of good choices and experiences consequences to poor choices. Reconnecting children to humanity and the planet through outdoor education provides a chance for children to rejuvenate themselves. On a spiritual level camp brings rest and relaxation that a busy soul requires to remain stable.
Several research endeavours have demonstrated the significant benefits of camp. In his paper, Social Justice Summer Camp: Critical Pedagogy in Action, Jim Shee(M.Ed) found that camps can assist in the development of citizenship and hope, and work toward the development of personal agency, creating a society of greater justice, freedom and dignity.
Research completed by Stephen Fine (PhD) demonstrated that camp, or “residential outdoor experiences” (ROE) lead over time to an affirmation of self that is inclusive of society and the environment. He reports that ROEs contribute to the learning of self-concept, self-regulation, self-efficacy, peer teaching, cooperation, team building, modeling, celebration of social-cultural diversity, and respect for the environment. Fine found that these lessons have been shown to transfer successfully to later life situations, making camp a long term beneficial experience for children of all ages. Fine’s article is titled “Contextual Learning within the ROE: A Case Study of a Summer Camp in Ontario” and can be found by googling his name or by visiting the Ontario Camping Association website.
Finally, PhD candidate Gaven Watson of Toronto, Ontario found that summer camp and environmental education significantly facilitate and assist in developing campers’ relationships with nature. As several children’s mental health professionals have come to report, nature works to settle and ground children in their world.
Consider sending your children to camp. There are several options with various cost points both in Canada and the US. There are also several organizations which work to financially support children to attend at camps all over the country. Visit the Ontario Camp Association for more information.
